Gaming Guru

The Detroit casinos currently employ 7,000-7,500 people, Casino Windsor employs another 2,800 and more than 1,200 companies supply the Detroit/Windsor gaming jurisdictions with goods and services. Recently, a new management association has been formed to provide networking and educational opportunities to this new and enormous industry. The Detroit/Windsor "Casino Management Association" ("CMA") Chapter is the first chapter of its kind to be formed outside of Nevada. The National CMA is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1994 to serve Nevada and the Las Vegas casino market. The Detroit/Windsor CMA is working with the national organization in development of its events. It also has a Founders' Committee made up of local casino management, suppliers executives, City officials and educators to assure that this market's needs are met.

"At first blush, a lot of people look at the casinos as simply an entertainment option," said Robert Russell, co-chairperson of the Detroit/Windsor CMA Chapter. "But it is also a very labor-intensive, sophisticated industry that could stand to benefit from internal education and network opportunities."

In addition to training and networking, Victoria C. Inniss, co-chairperson noted CMA has two long term goals, one local and one national. "Eventually, the CMA would like to break into separate Chapters for Windsor, Detroit and northern Michigan to serve the American Indian casinos there. Nationally, the group would like to create a professional certification program for various casino jobs, such as dealers and cash management."

The Detroit/Windsor Casino Management Association Chapter is offering a Spring 2001 Certification Series. The Certification Series includes five educational workshops and is the first of its kind offered to casino gaming industry professionals involved with the Michigan and Ontario jurisdictions.

The Certification Series is, in my opinion, a great opportunity to benefit from, and network with, other similarly-situated casino industry employees.

4) Problem Gambling: What is Being Done? May 16, 2001, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the City of Detroit Training Center. Speakers: James McBryde, Special Assistant, Michigan Department of Community Health and Dr. Thomas Uhde, Wayne State Medical School.

People attending three out of the five workshops during the Spring 2001 Certifications Series will be presented a certificate of accomplishment and recognized at an invitation-only dinner. There is no written exam to receive this certificate. Rather attendees learn by interacting with the presenters.

The prepaid fee for Casino Management Association members and full-time students is $20 per workshop ($25 at the door), and for all others $25 per workshop ($35 at the door). Registration and membership information can be obtained from Detroit/Windsor CMA founding members, Robert Russell, at 313-965-9038 or Victoria Inniss, at 313-393-8789.

The CMA will play a critical role in the emergence of this new industry in this market. The casino industry is well known for its "promote from within" philosophy. Those who take the time to be their very best are sure to reap the rewards of their efforts.

David Waddell is an attorney for Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C. (RMC), which assists businesses in navigating the legislative, regulatory and licensing systems governing Michigan’s commercial and tribal casino industries. He is the co-author of The State of Michigan Gaming Law Legal Resource Book and one of the founders of The Michigan Gaming Newsletter.

David Waddell Websites:

David Waddell is an attorney for Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C. (RMC), which assists businesses in navigating the legislative, regulatory and licensing systems governing Michigan’s commercial and tribal casino industries. He is the co-author of The State of Michigan Gaming Law Legal Resource Book and one of the founders of The Michigan Gaming Newsletter.

David Waddell Websites:

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